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Ultrasound and X-rays during
pregnancy
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The use of ultrasound
during pregnancy is vitally important
because through this method, we can have
the proper conduct of pregnancy and
detect any abnormalities that may arise.
You can determine the time of pregnancy
either by measuring the distance of the
gestational sac, the diameter of the
fetal head, skull length - rump length
of the leg bone, abdominal
circumference, diameter and calculated
by this last fact fetal weight
It also establishes the position of the
fetus, allowing the diagnosis and
management of multiple pregnancy (twins,
triplets, etc..) Detects changes from
the beginning of pregnancy (missed
abortion, hollow egg, pregnancy outside
the uterus), to identify defects and
serves excellent aid in the study of
amniotic fluid puncture. This test is
possible to determine the location of
the placenta and the maturity thereof,
the approximate amount of amniotic fluid
and assess fetal growth and development,
strengthens the marital bond while help
see the relationship on-screen movements
and fetal heartbeat. To date, there has
been a report in the medical literature
on adverse effects on the fetus produced
by the use of ultrasound.
In the X-ray scanning, radiation
exposure is greater or lesser degree.
So, any X-ray dose received, in
principle, undesirable. X-rays have
biological activity and therefore can
cause injuries, so that any exposure to
X rays, must have precise instructions.
The unit of measurement of X-rays called
rad. Each year on average, our whole
body receives a dose of 0.1 rad due to
natural radiation. In total irradiation
of the whole organism is usually fatal
dose of 500 rads. It is recognized that
the dose that doubles the frequency of
spontaneous congenital malformations is
30 to 80 rads. Certain laws recommend
termination of pregnancy when the embryo
has absorbed 10 rads, which is at the
discretion of the doctor in the common
practice is exceptional that the embryo
reaches 10 rads. Every pregnant woman
should notify your doctor before you
practice radiography, especially if it
is within the first three months of
gestation when the embryo is being
formed and their organs are very
sensitive to changes caused by external
agents.
